Now not the time to politick

THE EDITOR: The politician in me is urging me to retrieve the many times I wrote indicating that things can change globally and we could find ourselves in need of basic food items and emergency supplies, if we did not embark on a plan for food security and disaster management.

But, now is not a time for that, not today. This is a time for all of us to understand that world events do not discriminate. Disasters, pandemics and weather events do not discriminate, the coronavirus and its resulting negatives is not focused on UNC, PNM, DPTT or any other political organisation or country.

It is a challenge for all of us. The PM's pronouncement that we are all in this together is absolutely correct. Over the next few days, weeks and months, we will all be called upon to make a concerted effort to support each other, to display empathy, commonsense, order and responsibility.

The way we behave politically, socially and otherwise will make it clear not only to our population but the world at large whether we are a country of intelligent, civilised people or a nation so divided by race and hatred, that in our darkest hours, we cannot emerge to embrace the light and liberation that results from love, unity and common sense.

Dr Rowley on Monday indicated that perhaps one of the possible economic positives from the pandemic is the low cost of borrowing. I would like to add that there can be many more positives. As we stay at home, it may be a good time to reflect on life itself.

In times like this we see that material things are of little value and we see how caring and love for each other benefit all. As we reflect, perhaps it will be pertinent to embrace values like forgiveness and stay away from trying to benefit politically, financially and otherwise from the sufferings of others.

We can use this time to realise that “country first” must be more than a catchphrase.

The PM also indicated that there are many in the Opposition who can help. I urge all to put aside your political hats and embrace the red, white and black. Together, let us use common sense and heed the advice of those in authority. Let us do all in our power to minimise the impact of the virus on TT.

STEVE ALVAREZ

Via e-mail